The vanos actuator has rubber o-rings that harden and cause the seal to leak. I've done the o-ring replacement on M62 vanos not sure if there is an equivalent fix for M54/ N62 vanos which looks a lot different (but also cost a whole lot less).

When I did the vanos overhaul on M62, new vanos unit was $550@ and it was about $60 for the o-ring kit and $50-80 for the tool to slightly crush the vanos "just right" to tighten up an internal o-ring that you can't access. Genius fix and works well.

I used AT-205 on both my 2001 X5 and the hemorrhaging of oil slowed dramatically!

I would joke I don't need gos to get home I can just follow the drops of oil back.

In seriousness, I had to add oil weekly and I immediately noticed 50-80% less oil dripping. Then, a week later went to add the weekly requirement and the first time this year wasn't below minimum.

It was exactly AT minimum but it was a welcome improvement.

I had to replace my alternator TWICE a couple weeks ago and I did notice that there was clean yellow oil all in the ribs on the side of the motor behind the alternator so I've heard that's for sure OFHG which of course I bought the pan gasket not the OFHG kit but now I can punt on ordering that until tax return.

Oh: and if you are still leary of using the AT-205 inside the motor, don't let it go to waste; the reason I bought it was to my CV and steering boots!

I also used on ONE rubber brake line: with the pressure numbers inside that, might be better to be old and rigid than supple; they say in the bottle don't use inisde brake systems. I'll be sure to post should I end up exploding my brake hose. I will check on it every couple months and report back. It is original 20 yr old hose and has some age checking. I saw some beautiful steel hoses I'd love to upgrade. I need to exchange my brake fluid anyhow.

I know this is an old thread but still…. Looks like I have both oil pan and rear seal leaks. I went ahead and poured a bottle of AT-205. I am happy to report that I no longer see oil dripping on my garage floor and driveway.

AT-205 is "the man". I haven't been able to find it for over a year. Where'd you get some?

Believe it or not... Autozone stocks it. I pick up some whenever I see it on the shelf. I use it with every oil change to keep the VSS job at bay.

Oil pan leaking?
 

I've bought at AutoZone. Haven't seen in any of the 12 or so stores near where I drive for over a year.

I also have bought on Amazon and hasn't been stocked there in over a year either.

Somebody is selling via Amazon for 100% markup and you can also find on eBay for 100-200% markup as well.

Over the last 50 years I don't recall having heard of any MFG. of any brand that was OK with additives. This is another topic where I bow to the MFG. I view additives as bandaids that might cause 'infections' elsewhere in the engine.

One should plan for more issues of all types after 7-10 years and 75,000 miles on any vehicle. There will likely be more fluid leaks. About ten years ago I decided driving long distances using the 4.6 was more risk than I was willing to accept. At that time I increased the allowed free towing miles to 200 miles and started renting an SUV for long trips until we purchased our X5M several years ago.

As inconvenient or painful as it sometimes is, IMO, fix it right the first time.

Here you go Andrew. If you need some, this site might have them in stock.

https://www.autobarn.net/atp-at-205.html

Nevermind, upon further reading, seems that the manufacturer has sited supply shortages and said they are sold out through the end of the year. Guess you'd have to get lucky and stumble upon some on a seldom-visited store's shelves.

Correct.

I bought some oil saver from liqui-moly. I haven't used it yet so not sure how well it compares to at-205 but with OFHG it dropped my oil loss 70%.